The Tasting Panel magazine

January / February 2017

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january/february 2017  /  the tasting panel  /  97 D ue to the large population and growth in spending in countries like China, the market potential for the wine and spirits industry in the East is astounding. But breaking into this region often perplexes brands based in Western countries because of differences in cultures, buying patterns and palates. To bridge this gap, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair invited 1,067 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions to showcase their products to buyers from around the world, but especially from Hong Kong and mainland China. Allowing a space for retailers and consumers to learn about brands and vice versa, Hong Kong was the perfect backdrop for this interaction, since many Hong Kong distributors and groups can also act as expeditors to mainland China, smoothing out the difficult import regulations. Kicking off the convention at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre overlooking the scenic Victoria Harbour, Mr. Philip Yung Wai-hung, JP, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development for the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, followed a tea reception with an address about the city, which has seen wine and spirits imports triple—to $1.39 billion in 2015—since the government lifted a special import tax in 2008. This growth led the HKTDC to partner with the tourism board to create an entire month devoted to wine, with events and tastings around the city. During the next three days, several seminars covered topics ranging from the milestones of German viticulture to boutique winemakers of Australia, from how to reach the right customers in China to Chinese food and wine pairings, and from uncovering business opportunities in booming markets of wine and spirits to the role of wine edu- cation in China. On the second day of the conference, Master of Wine Debra Meiburg, Director of Meiburg Wine Media Ltd., led a panel discussing the possibilities for cool-climate wines in Asia. Professor Ma Huiqin, Department of Fruit Tree Sciences, China Agricultural University, and Assistant to the Director of the Ningxia Bureau of Grape Industry Development, mentioned that cool-climate wines "could have a very bright future in the Chinese mainland market," especially if brands target "mature consumers and wine experts in China to transfer the knowledge and concept." Home to the world's oldest noble vine still bearing grapes, Slovenia might be a relatively small country, but its diverse geography enables vintners to create a wide range of styles. As the main sponsor of the week, not only were we treated to tastings of these offerings, we also experienced a gala wine dinner, complete with accordion players and Slovenian cuisine from Chef Janez Bratovž. With a mix of interesting cultures, wines and spirits, it reminds you just how international Hong Kong is and the amazing opportunities that await Western brands if they decide to head East. The 10th annual HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair will be held on November 9–11, 2017. For more information, visit http://www.hktdc.com/ info/trade-events/EX/en/Exhibitions. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HKTDC HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS FAIR Master of Wine Debra Meiburg, Director of Meiburg Wine Media Ltd., led a panel discussing the possibilities for cool-climate wines in Asia. The gala dinner brought together the wines of Slovenia with food from world- renowned Chef Janez Bratovž.

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